Animal organizations get grants

staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — Seven nonprofit organizations devoted to animal welfare have received $10,000 each from remaining funds from the defunct Mahoning County Humane Society.

Judge Mark Belinky of the county probate court made the announcement Wednesday. The probate court has jurisdiction because it appoints the two humane agents, who now work at Animal Charity of Ohio Inc. and investigate animal-abuse and neglect complaints.

The beneficiaries are Angels for Animals Inc., Animal Charity, the Bummer Fund, Canine Crusaders Inc., the Cat Ladies Society, Community Helping Animals in Need, and Second Chance Animal Rescue.

The judge ordered the humane society dissolved because it was no longer functioning and unable to continue its mission.

Founded in 1895, the humane society once devoted itself to women’s and children’s welfare but later switched its focus to investigating and prosecuting animal abuse and neglect.

The society lost funding from the county commissioners, which it once used to pay a humane agent’s salary.